Fractions from age FIVE in national curriculum revamp
CHILDREN as young as five may have to sit tougher maths tests as part of a new national curriculum being launched today.
Pupils will also have to understand fractions and multiplication and could also face national tests in mental arithmetic.
More difficult tests in English, maths and science might also be introduced to produce performance tables for 11-year-olds.
Last month Oftsed chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw said it was “shocking” that some teachers did not even know who their most able children were. A culture of low expectations meant that bright pupils were not being pushed and were failing to gain top grades at GCSE, he said.
It marks a new chapter in British education.
The national curriculum study programmes for five to 16-year-olds will be introduced in English schools from September 2014.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It marks a new chapter in British education.
“From advanced fractions to computer coding to some of the greatest works of literature in the English language, this is a curriculum that is rigorous, engaging and tough.”